City parents are questioning a new regulation that would allow the Department of Education to punish or outright boot elected moms and dads from volunteer advisory boards.
Chancellor’s Regulation D-210 — to be voted on next week by the Panel for Education Policy — would enable the DOE to expel Community Education Council members if they run afoul of an official code of conduct.
The proposal states that members whose behavior “creates or would foreseeably create a risk of disruption within the district or school community” or act in a way “contrary to the best interest of the New York City school district” are subject to removal.
“Council members are expected to be exemplary role models on the councils and communities in which they serve, and to fulfill their responsibilities in a way that respects the rights of all parents and students they serve,” the language states.
But opponents argue that many of the strictures are ultimately subjective — and would in essence allow the agency to purge CECs of unwanted voices.
“It’s beyond undemocratic,” said city parent Jean Hahn. “While I expect this from [Mayor Bill] de Blasio, I certainly hope that Mayor-elect [Eric] Adams and incoming Chancellor David Banks immediately rescind what seems to be yet another attempt to squash transparency and the rights of parents to speak up about their concerns.”
The DOE countered that the measure would enable the agency to address flagrant member misconduct and would not be used as a political silencer on controversial issues.
“Parent voice, community engagement, and equity are at the center of all we do — this proposed regulation will help ensure environments for parent leaders are free from blatant discrimination, harassment, bias, racism, and intimidation,” said spokesperson Katie O’Hanlon.
The new policy would also create a new “equity compliance officer” charged with assessing parent behavior and determining discipline.
“The Equity Compliance Officer is a designated DOE employee responsible for the receipt, response, processing, and investigation of complaints alleging violations of this regulation,” the language states.
In addition, the DOE would form a new “Equity Council” that would issue recommendations on parental discipline or expulsions.
Some have questioned the formation of that council, and assert that the DOE has not revealed any potential members or the selection process.
The proposal also forbids “frequent verbal abuse and unnecessary aggressive speech” and notes that behavior unrelated to CEC business could also serve as grounds for punishment.
Critics assert that the new policy comes amid a wider national push to exert greater control over parental input on public school policy.
It’s unclear if Adams and Banks were privy to the development of the proposal, if they endorse it, or if they plan to implement it if passed next week.
Adams did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday.